Armed with his wicked drawing skills, Angel communicates with his classmates through pictures and even teaches them a handful of words in his native tongue.

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Michelle Wiley

10/4/2012 04:51:46 am

Angel traveled a long way to be with his mother and father and sister, all the way from Mexico to Sacramento, California. His mother and father had worked very hard to send him the ticket. It was the first time he'd ever ridden a bus to a place so far away.
Today was a very special day for Angel. His first day of school.

He knew some of the words he heard but everyone talked so quickly. Many of the words just sounded like one long word to him. He went home feeling sad and alone.

His mother has an idea. Angel, lets watch cartoons!

Angel couldn't believe his ears! Watch cartoons BEFORE homework?

Every day Angel and his mother watch cartoons together. She teaches him the words he doesn't understand while they both have some fun watching cartoons together and laughing.

Angel hadn't realized how hard hearing English would be. He tries to search the sounds of his peers for any familiar words. There aren't many. New faces blabbering these funny words, non stop. He just stares at them. Face focused. His eyes almost cross. English either has the longest words of any on the planet... or they are indistinguishable in the quickly spoken sentences. The teacher puts a hand gently on his shoulder, guides him to a desk. She says more funny words. He feels a small ache creeping up the back of his neck, toward his ears. His eyes feel heavy. He sees kids laughing and playing games. The laughter is familiar.

A girl comes up to him... more nonsense come from her lips. But then she smiles.

And he smiles back.

Hers grows.

He follows her lead. If her smile was in English... then he was catching on.

He continues on through the day... led by smiles... until the corners of his face ache from his own.

And he realizes... hearing English is hard. But until he learns it... all he needs is a smile!

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We are so excited to be mixing things up at the Children's Book Academy, beginning with some delicious additions to the Blogfish. Meet our awesome new bloggers!!

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